Sex differences in the vaccine-specific and non-targeted effects of vaccines

Katie L. Flanagan, Sabra L. Klein, Niels E. Skakkebaek, Ian Marriott, Arnaud Marchant, Liisa Selin, Eleanor N. Fish, Andrew M. Prentice, Hilton Whittle, Christine Stabell Benn, Peter Aaby

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Vaccines have non-specific effects (NSE) on subsequent morbidity and mortality from non-vaccine related infectious diseases. Thus NSE refers to any effect that cannot be accounted for by the induction of immunity against the vaccine-targeted disease. These effects are sex-differential, generally being more pronounced in females than males. Furthermore, the NSE are substantial causing greater than fifty percent changes in all cause mortality in certain settings, yet have never been systematically tested despite the fact that millions of children receive vaccines each year. As we strive to eliminate infectious diseases through vaccination programmes, the relative impact of NSE of vaccines on mortality is likely to increase, raising important questions regarding the future of certain vaccine schedules. A diverse group of scientists met in Copenhagen to discuss non-specific and sex-differential effects of vaccination, and explore plausible biological explanations. Herein we describe the contents of the meeting and the establishment of the 'Optimmunize' network aimed at raising awareness of this important issue among the wider scientific community.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2349-2354
Number of pages6
JournalVaccine
Volume29
Issue number13
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 16 2011

Keywords

  • Adaptive immunity
  • Heterologous immunity
  • Innate immunity
  • Non-specific effects
  • Non-targeted effects
  • Reactogenicity
  • Sex differences
  • Sex hormones
  • Vaccines
  • Vitamin A
  • X-linked genes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • General Veterinary
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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